How to learn Precision?

[ejfree]

Hey all. I have been playing for about 1 year and currently know SAYC prety well. I understand the forcing bids and limitations thereof as well (I think).

 

I am currently very close to playing 2/1 and do not this that it has been a tough system to learn (master is a different story).

 

My questions is...

 

What is the best way to go about learning precision? Specifically is learning "basic" precision first a good idea. What then. I am a youngish player and dont want SAYC & 2/1 to be the limit of my bidding arsenal

[keylime]

I recommend the book "Precision in the 90's" by Rigal. Not only does this book have a beginner, advanced, and symmetric relay section, but describes a lot of treatments eloquently. It's good reading.

 

I also would urge you to read Wei's and Berkowitz's text on Precision (Wei wrote some texts with Goren, and Berkowitz's "Precision Today" is a new release).

[hrothgar]

I recommend the book "Precision in the 90's" by Rigal. Not only does this book have a beginner, advanced, and symmetric relay section, but describes a lot of treatments eloquently. It's good reading.

 

I also would urge you to read Wei's and Berkowitz's text on Precision (Wei wrote some texts with Goren, and Berkowitz's "Precision Today" is a new release).

 

I beg to differ.

 

Rigal's book is decent enough (with the obvious except of his treatment of Symmetric Relay which is simply dreadful).

 

IMHO, Jannerstein provides a much better introduction.

[eyhung]

I agree with Hrothgar.  Rigal is a wonderful reference and I think no serious Precision player should be without it.  That being said, it is not a very good introduction to the system.  There are just too many treatments and gadgets covered that get in the way of learning the basic ideas.  (Yes, I know Rigal divides the book into basic and advanced sections -- but even the basic section is intimidating, although thorough).  Better to get Rigal after you have played Precision for a while and are comfortable with it.

 

Jannersten is frequently cited as the best introduction, but one of my friends who wanted to learn Precision thought it was atrocious -- he felt the translation into English was dense and impenetrable.  I didn't think it was that bad, but then again, I learned Precision from Goren (see next paragraph).

 

From personal experience, I found the Goren/Wei book on Precision to be a good introduction.  Despite our present-day association of him with antiquated bidding methods, Goren in his time was a masterful teacher and it shows: he clearly outlines the opening bid structures and the basic responses.  You may want to look there and buy Rigal once you are more comfortable with the basic structure.

 

Finally, David Berkowitz (and Brent Manley, probably for the writing) has recently come out with an introductory Precision book (_Precision Today_).  As he is one of the most successful practitioners of a Precision system in the world today, I would seriously consider taking a look at Berkowitz/Manley -- both Jannersten and Goren were published some time ago.   Perhaps they will do a good job of describing which treatments have fallen by the wayside without overburdening the beginning Precision player with gadgets like Rigal.  However, unlike the other books I mentioned above, I don't own it so I can't give it a personal recommendation.

 

Eugene Hung

[the hog]

I agree with Eugene and Richard. While the Rigal book is a very useful addition for anyone already playing Precision and wishing to fine tune the system, I would not recommend it to a beginner.

 

There are a number of systems which have been posted on the web in various sites which you can look at, but I feel the really important thing to do is to speak with someone who has played it for some time and to bid some hands with them.

 

Their are some differing philosophies in Precision with which you need to come to terms eg reverses will certainly carry shape, but less high card strength than in 2/1, (your opening s are 11-15) eg 1D 1S 2H could be made on

xx

AKxx

AKTxxx

x

 

You will also need to discuss your 1D openings and continuations thoroughly. One word of advice if I may, don't just add bits and pieces on to the system and expect to get a cohesive whole. Start with something tried and proven eg Jannersten or Goren or maybe even Reese, and after you have played it for a while and feel comfortable, then start fine tuning it. Also be aware that many books around, including the ones I have mentioned, detail methods that most top partnerships no longer use - eg Alpha Beta etc asking bids. Don't worry about this too much to start off with, just be aware of the fact that things have changed.

[ejfree]

Thanx for all the advice. I can read pretty well, so I'll start with that. I suppose the next thing is to get a regular p who knows or wants to learn with me (though that may be an interesting idea).

 

thanks again all

[Rado]

In my view the best book for getting started with Precision is:

C.C. Wei - Precision bidding at bridge

 

well explained simple precision with the basis ideas, no asking bids and no other complex relays. Also some good boards from the "Sinderella" team 2nd place at Bermuda Bowl.

 

And as often happens the simple is the best

[dr_cardshark]

i completely agree with rado, cc wei's book on precision is very clear , attacks all the basics and is comprehensive. it should make 4 excellant reading. i hv been using that 4 past 5 years with reasonable success.

i recommend learning with a regular p, so that u may thenfine tune to a gr8 extent